Sri Lanka & Maldives Holiday Ideas

This is a Sri Lanka and The Maldives holiday with a twist, suiting travellers who want to experience the Indian Ocean nations authentically and in comfortable surroundings. After a carefully crafted 8 day itinerary in Sri Lanka, rather than being whisked away to your resort on landing in The Maldives, you'll see the real culture and people of this thousand-isled nation with a guesthouse stay on a local island. Of course, you'll also be able to experience the classic Maldivian resort to let you completely unwind in luxurious surroundings.

Highlights include:

Explore UNESCO heritage Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise or sunset with stunning views over the tropical forests of the cultural triangle

Taste a fresh cup of tea in Sri Lanka's famous hill country and visit a tea factory

Relax in a colonial coconut plantation

Discover the city of Male that climbs out of turquoise water of the Indian Ocean

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive 'Journey Planner' here.

Day 1 depart the uk

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Colombo.

Day 2 – 3 Rural Gampaha relax in a colonial estate

Upon arrival at Colombo airport, be greeted by your private chauffeur guide and get in your air-conditioned vehicle to your first hotel. Situated North-East of Colombo, this rural area known as Gampaha is beautiful and is home to countless coconut farms and pineapple plantations.

After settling in, enjoy a number of activities including a tour of a coconut estate, exploring local nearby villages or take a ride on the leisurely bullock cart. You may rather simply relax by the idyllic pool with a cocktail, the choice is yours.

day 4 - 6 Cultural triangle Experience sigiriya and beyond

Explore the Cultural Triangle, roughly the area between Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. With the world famous rock fortress of Sigiriya and the cave temples of Dambulla in the centre, we've especially designed our experiences in this region to get you away from the crowds where possible. This region is also famous for its abundance of artificial tanks that were built by civilisations over 1000 years old. How's that for ingenuity?

Whilst in the area, visit local farms and learn about the life of villages, you can even have a go and learn their traditional techniques. Ride on a tuk-tuk to reach these areas and explore the rural streets with your guide on foot.

day 7 tea plantations experience hill country life

Stay in a restored planter's bungalow and visit the beautiful emerald hill country, famous for its tea. Have a guided tour of a tea factory and have a taste of some deliciously brewed leaves with a well-earned cake too.

day 8 kandy train rides and temple of the tooth

Experience the contrasts of Kandy on a tour that includes the famous Temple of the Tooth. You'll also visit Kandy's Garrison cemetery before enjoying a train ride through the spectacular hill country to Polgahawela.

Day 9 – 10 male & Local island meet maldivians

Transfer back to Colombo where you'll hop on a one hour flight to the extraordinary city of Male, capital of The Maldives. Enjoy a quick tour of this high-rise city erupting out of the ocean. Gain a better insight into the unique heritage of Maldivians and see the Moroccan design Mosques that date back to King Charles I.

Hop on a speedboat to Guraidhoo island where you'll experience Maldivian everyday life on this local island. Have time to settle in, have a swim in the idyllic waters and enjoy dinner with a local family.

After breakfast with the locals, enjoy a coral reef trip and a spot of snorkelling. With local Maldivians joining you, they'll be able to let you know about the various fish that call the coral their home and you'll be in with a good chance of spotting turtles.

After lunch, have a short tour of the local island including the Mosque and a boat yard where they make the iconic curved fronted Dhoni boats. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional 'hedikaa' served with black tea or non alcoholic beer. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Boduberu drumming and join in if you're feeling brave.

Day 11 – 13 resort maldives indulge and relax

Transfer back to Male and onward to your resort to indulge in some true luxury.

Day 14 depart for the uk

Return home from Male.

An indicative price for this holiday is £3,738pp inclusive of flights from the UK. Prices may be less in the low season and higher in the peak season.